R-Hop modification on the example of Psionic products
What is R-hop?
Let's start with a short reminder why we need a hop-up system in an airsoft gun at all. It is responsible for setting the BB in rotation. The elements of the system, working together, exert a slight pressure on our airsoft projectile in the initial phase of its flight. This slight touch to the BB causes it to spin. This, to put it simply, increases accuracy. The basic hop up systems present in replicas straight from the box is not very advanced. Over time, players and servicemen have prepared a number of improvements.
One of the popular and relatively simple ways to improve the performance of our hop-up system is the use of the so-called flat-hop. This modification has already been featured on the Gunfire blog. It consists in increasing the contact surface of the BB with the overclocking element. For this purpose, we somehow get rid of the original tab on the hop up rubber. It is usually semi-cylindrical in shape and designed to work with traditional spacers. By removing this element and using a spacer with a flat contact surface with the BB, we improve the performance of the airsoft gun.
R-hop goes one step further. Here, the hop-up bucking itself is not in contact with the BB giving it a spin, but a special patch that is placed in the barrel window. A properly installed modification of this type gives the same benefits as the flat-hop system, usually improving the repeatability of shots even more. Unfortunately, nothing is free. R-hop is a bit more difficult to install and often requires experience in choosing the right patch for our airsoft gun. Fortunately, some of these problems are eliminated by Psionic Upgrades, which has prepared ready-made kits for popular inner barrels.
Preparation for R-hop modification
To install the R-hop, we basically need the same as for most of the modifications of our airsoft gun. A set of hex keys, screwdrivers, punches, a small hammer will definitely come in handy. It is also a good idea to prepare a small pair of tweezers, scissors or a modelling knife. We will need materials such as silicone oil, preferably an aerosol, and Teflon tape.
If we decide on the described Psionic set, which I sincerely recommend, especially for beginners, basically everything we need will be there. We just have to make sure that we have chosen a set suitable for our barrel. They have different sizes and shapes of holes for the hop-up bucking. Appropriate matching of the r-hop patch to them is crucial to achieve the desired effects. If necessary, we can check detailed information about our kit on the manufacturer's website. For the purposes of this article, we use just such a solution. The R-hop set from Psionic is matched to the barrel and should fit without any problems. However, if you have a barrel for which it is impossible to choose the right kit, you can look for ready-made R-hop patches online or create your own. This, however, is a topic for another article.
R-hop airsoft - step by step
The first step to R-hop in our airsoft gun is getting into the hop-up system. Depending on the replica we have, it may require more or less work. Once we get to the barrel and the chamber, we have to dismantle them to their basic parts.
The basis of a well-made R-hop is the correct placement of the patch in place. In the Psionic set, we get the appropriate element. It has a black marker on one side that should be placed on the right side. In my case, as I used a Maple Leaf barrel, it has an irregular shape, which forces the patch to be placed in the right direction. The manufacturer also recommends placing a silicone tube in the barrel for this step so that it stabilizes the patch from the inside.
Once our patch is in place, it should be immobilized. The set includes a special, very thin tape for this purpose. We stick it by rolling it on the finger together with the barrel so that it adheres well and immobilizes our patch. Cut off the excess with scissors or a sharp knife. It is important to stick the tape evenly and so that it does not wrinkle, especially on our patch.
Now all we have to do is assemble everything more or less as in the case of installing a flat hop or a regular system of this type. We put on the hop-up rubber and the chamber. The only difference from traditional systems is the fact that we have to use the included spacer. We should get two of these items. The manufacturer recommends using the short one first and then using the longer one when necessary.
From the experience I gained after assembling this article, I can give you some additional advice. First of all, I recommend being careful with the tape included in the kit. It sticks to the transfer paper very well and is very soft when detached from it. This makes it easy to glue it to itself when we try to transfer it to our barrel and patch. I also recommend checking the materials on the manufacturer's website, where there are a few additional pictograms and descriptions that will help you sort out the whole process in your head. In this article I have included the necessary information, but when we do it for the first time, it will be useful to look from a different perspective. Don't rush. Proper positioning of the patch and securing it in place is crucial. It is worth doing it calmly to avoid mistakes. The hop-up rubbers attached to the set are very tight in the hop-up chamber. Don't skimp on silicone oil when placing them in the chamber. Thanks to this, we guarantee ourselves a slip and minimize the chance that we will wrap the elastic by pressing it into place.
The results of the modification
If we make such a modification on a brand-new airsoft gun, we will probably notice a significant improvement in the work of our toy. Shots should be a bit further and more accurate. We will be able to effectively use heavier BBs, which will improve their trajectory. The described modification significantly increases the contact surface of the BB with the overclocking element. Our plastic projectile flies more stable and has a chance to leave the barrel in a more controlled way.
What caught my attention the most was the very good sealing of the system and a significant reduction in deviations of the replica's power measurement. Currently, on 0.2g BBs, I achieve 1-2 fps difference between shots. Is it because of the whole R-hop system? It's hard to say unequivocally, because maybe it's caused only by the use of the Psionic rubber. There is no doubt, however, that this is a significant improvement over the factory solution. It is difficult to say whether we will notice a clear improvement over the flat-hop system. Much depends on the specific components we used.
Psionic's offer includes R-hop sets for many popular barrels and airsoft guns. In addition to the complete sets, only hop-up rubbers are available. So if we can't find a kit with a patch for our barrel, we can try to use their good quality bucking and a patch bought elsewhere. This, however, requires some experience to choose the right components. Psionic also has more traditional hop-up buckings that do not require R-hop patches, and those dedicated even to electric pistols. Having had contact with their products, I can definitely recommend them.
Autor: Boreq
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